Heparin conjugated quantum dots for in vitro imaging applications

Multi-layered gelatine-heparin Cadmium Telluride Quantum Dots were prepared using a novel one-pot synthesis method, and have applications in in vitro imaging. Heparin is a substrate for the CD11b receptor found on the surface of macrophage cells and binding of the heparin-gelatine QDs to the receptor results in the QDs being transported to the nucleus of the cells. It is anticipated that the heparin layer will passivate the thrombotic complications frequently associated with their in vivo use.289